Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery


What Is The Difference Between Minithoracotomy And Ministernotomy

What Is The Difference Between Minithoracotomy And Ministernotomy

In the realm of cardiac and thoracic surgeries, advancements in surgical techniques have led to the development of minimally invasive approaches that offer several advantages over traditional open-heart procedures. Two of these minimally invasive techniques, minithoracotomy, and ministernotomy, have gained prominence in recent years.  Minithoracotomy Vs. Ministernotomy While both approaches share the common goal of reducing trauma to the patient, they differ in their specific methods and applications. Here at Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery with Dr. Ciuffo, we will explore the key differences between minithoracotomy and ministernotomy to help you better understand these innovative surgical options. Minithoracotomy Minithoracotomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach that involves making a small incision between the ribs to access the thoracic cavity. It is commonly used for various cardiac and thoracic procedures, including but not limited to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve repair or replacement, and lung surgeries. Incision Placement One of the primary distinctions of minithoracotomy is the location of the incision. The surgeon makes a small (typically 2-4 inches) horizontal incision on the lateral side of the chest, between the ribs, often below the nipple line. This approach allows access to the heart or lungs without splitting the breastbone (sternum). Use of Rib Spreaders Minithoracotomy may require the use of rib spreaders to gently separate the ribs and create a working space. While this temporarily widens the ribcage, it is less traumatic than a full sternotomy. Versatility Minithoracotomy is versatile and can be used for various cardiac and thoracic procedures. Surgeons can access different areas of the heart and lungs, depending on the specific surgical goal. Reduced...

Less Blood Loss With Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

There are many benefits to minimally invasive heart surgery, including shorter recovery time, a lower risk of infection, reduced trauma, reduced pain, almost invisible scars, and less blood loss. There are methods so advanced, that we can eliminate the need for blood transfusions. For people with concerns over blood transfusions, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, this is potentially life-saving! Dr. Ciuffo is the Director of the Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery program at Mercy Medical Center, so you know that you will be in the absolute best hands with him. Blood Saving Techniques To minimize blood loss, Dr. Ciuffo employs special techniques. These techniques reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery and post-operatively. Surgery is performed through a tiny 2″ incision in the side Use of the heart-lung machine to keep the entire blood volume in circulation Use of beating heart surgery when necessary Use of cell saver/blood salvage machine Removing some of the patient’s blood before surgery and stored until after surgery* Careful cell recycling of blood that is transferred to surgical gauze sponges Controlled surface bleeding with topical hemostatic agents Dilution of blood volume with a saline solution The patient kept with low blood pressure through surgery Intra-operative electro-cautery or argon beam blood vessel coagulation *This method is not used for Jehovah’s Witnesses as blood needs to be stored Schedule A Consultation With Dr. Ciuffo If you or someone who love is in need of heart surgery and considering our low-impact, soft touch approach, get in touch with Dr. Ciuffo today. Our team of experts can help you understand the benefits (and the risks) associated with this surgery...

Why Go Minimally Invasive?

Considering Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery For Your Cardiac Procedure? There are many benefits to getting minimally invasive heart surgery rather than traditional open heart methods. Dr. Ciuffo has been specializing in this method of cardiac surgery in order to meet the unique needs of patients from all over the world. Both high risk (frail and otherwise sick) and low risk patients get the benefits of Dr. Ciuffo’s low-impact surgical methods without the issues and risks associated with traditional open heart surgery. Very Small Scar The most obvious benefit to minimally invasive heart surgery is the cosmetic one. Dr. Ciuffo performs surgeries through a very small incision, usually about 2 inches. The scars from this can typically be hidden under the fold of the breast and fade with time. Regular clothing easily covers the scar. Traditional heart surgery involves a sternotomy, a 8″ to 12″ incision down the center of the chest, the scar is very large and spans almost to the neck, making it harder to cover with modern clothes. See some of the scarless results from Dr. Ciuffo’s patients compared with a sternotomy. No Broken Bones The traditional sternotomy incision is made so that the surgeon can get easier access to the heart, and that includes breaking the sternum and potentially a few ribs in the process. Minimally invasive heart surgery does not break any bones. Dr. Ciuffo uses long instruments to reach the heart during surgery, so there’s no need to break bones. Quicker Recovery Time Our techniques promote quick healing and less trauma (no broken bones or no massive incisions), so recovery after minimally invasive heart surgery in much quicker. Most of our...

5-Year Study Confirms Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery For Frail Patients

A recent study published in The Lancet has confirmed the benefits of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement for elderly patients. Dr. Ciuffo has stated many years that patients who undergo minimally invasive cardiac procedures can expect a quicker recovery time and better results when compared with traditional heart surgery methods. Minimally invasive procedures do not break ribs and include massive incisions that take many weeks or months to heal completely. For many elderly and frail patients, traditional methods are simply not an option. Five Year Outcomes This study was focused on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) outcomes compared with standard therapy for inoperable aortic stenosis patients. The study’s findings supported our previous evidence that patients undergoing the minimally invasive procedure “lived longer, with better symptom management, fewer hospital readmissions and better functional status.” Evidence was found to: At five years, the all-cause mortality rate was 22% lower in the minimally invasive group After five years, 28% of the TAVR group were still living, while only 6% of the standard group were still alive Post-TAVR echocardiography shows no evidence of structural valve deterioration and durable vascular benefit The study states: “TAVR is more beneficial than standard treatment for treatment of inoperable aortic stenosis. TAVR should be strongly considered for patients who are not surgical candidates for aortic valve replacement to improve their survival and functional status. Appropriate selection of patients will help to maximise the benefit of TAVR and reduce mortality from severe comorbidities.” Read the entire study here. Get Dr. Ciuffo’s Take Are you interested in learning more about Dr. Ciuffo’s clinical take on inoperable aortic valve stenosis and the benefits...

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

As we’ve continued to describe throughout our site and on our blogs, there are many benefits to getting minimally invasive heart surgery over traditional heart surgery. The main points are with minimally invasive heart surgery, you will have a shorter recovery time, small scarring, better overall health, and some different options to better suit certain preferences (such as bloodless options for Jehovah’s Witnesses). Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Recovery For Dr. Ciuffo’s patients, most are released from the hospital within 48 to 72 hours. Once patients return home, recovery usually lasts for two weeks before patients can return to normal activities. During the two weeks, physical activity is recommended. With traditional surgery, patients can be recovering for six to eight weeks, while their bones heal and body recovers from the much more invasive traditional heart surgery techniques. Minimal “Scarless” Cosmetic The cosmetic result of MIHS is the biggest reasons people choose minimally invasive. The incision is only about two inches long and is typically hidden under the fold of the breast. If the incision is not hidden under the breast it can be hidden under clothing very easily. With traditional heart surgery, patients will have a six to eight inch scar down the center of their chest, which is almost impossible to hide. Overall Health Overall, minimally invasive patients have a much higher overall health benefits including: survival benefits in higher risk groups, better cosmesis, less bleeding and less transfusion requirements, less wound infections and complications, less postoperative pain, faster return to normal activity, and a shorter hospital stay, all which improve the immune system’s chance of overall healing. Bloodless Option For...